Who Is Richard Roundtree Second Wife? The Story Behind Their Marriage!

Richard Roundtree was a well-known American actor best known for playing private detective John Shaft in the 1971 film “Shaft.” He is widely regarded as a cinematic pioneer, sometimes referred to as “the first black action hero.” Roundtree’s career had a big impact on the cinema industry, especially for African-American starring men.

He was born in 1942 in New Rochelle, New York, and began his career as a model before moving on to acting in the 1960s. His portrayal as John Shaft in the “Shaft” film series, as well as other prominent performances in films and television, helped to cement his legend.

Richard Roundtree had a varied career in cinema and television, with notable parts in films such as “Roots,” “Generations,” and “Once Upon a Time…When We Were Colored.” Let’s take a look at his personal life, family, career, and more.

Richard Roundtree’s Second Wife

Richard Roundtree was married twice. He married Mary Jane Grant in 1963, and they had two children together, Kelli and Nicole, before divorcing in 1973. Later, in 1980, he married Karen Michelle Ciernia, with whom he had three children: Taylor, Morgan, and John James. This marriage, too, ended in divorce in 1998.

Who Was Richard Roundtree Married to?

Richard Roundtree, the famous actor, was married twice in his life. He first married Mary Jane Grant in 1963, and they had two children, Kelli and Nicole, before divorcing in 1973. Following that, in 1980, he married Karen Michelle Ciernia, with whom he had three children: Taylor, Morgan, and John James.

Their marriage, however, also ended in divorce in 1998. Richard Roundtree had five children from his two marriages in total, and both marriages were part of his exciting life in addition to his great acting career.

Who are Richard Roundtree’s Children?

Richard Roundtree had five children who were an important part of his life. He had two children from his first marriage to Mary Jane Grant: Kelli and Nicole. These daughters spent their childhoods with their father, and one of them, Kelli Roundtree-Mileur, went on to become a jewelry designer. She founded CottingTree Beads, a jewelry supply company, to share her love of making wearable art with others.

Richard Roundtree married Karen Michelle Ciernia after his divorce from Mary Jane. Taylor, Morgan, and John James were their three children. Each of these youngsters pursued their own life paths. Taylor Roundtree excelled at equestrian activities and went on to become a good jumping instructor.

Morgan Roundtree went on to earn a degree in business media and communication. John James Roundtree enjoyed sports and volunteered as a soccer coach. Unfortunately, Richard Roundtree died in 2023 at the age of 81, leaving these children without a father.

Here you can also read other celebrities’ spouse details:-

• Who Is Grayson Waller’s Wife? Truth About His Relationship!
• Does Donna Brazile Have a Wife? Is She Married to a Woman?

Richard Roundtree Death

On Tuesday, October 24, Golden Globe-nominated actor Richard Roundtree, dubbed “Hollywood’s first black action hero,” died in his Los Angeles home. At the time of his death, he was 81 years old.

Richard Roundtree has sadly passed away at the age of 81. pic.twitter.com/mAt2X4Cbyo

— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) October 25, 2023

According to his manager Patrick McMinn’s statement to The Hollywood Reporter, Richard Roundtree died of pancreatic cancer. It was discovered two months ago. According to the news outlet, his struggle with cancer began in 1993, when he was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy.

Richard Roundtree Career

Richard Roundtree’s career in the entertainment industry has been a fantastic one. He began his professional career as a model in the early 1960s and quickly shifted to acting. Many people were drawn to Roundtree’s modeling job, which included appearances at the Ebony Fashion Fair. This professional change marked the beginning of a successful career that would see him amass over 150 acting credits.

The critical moment in Roundtree’s career came in 1971 when he played John Shaft in the film “Shaft.” This famous portrayal not only won him a Golden Globe nod but also cemented his legacy as “the first black action hero.” The success of “Shaft” spawned sequels such as “Shaft’s Big Score!” (1972) and “Shaft in Africa” (1973), solidifying Roundtree’s position as a main figure in early 1970s blaxploitation films.

Throughout his career, Roundtree appeared on television in shows such as “Roots,” “Generations,” and “Desperate Housewives.” He had success in stage plays, demonstrating his flexibility as an actor. Notably, Roundtree’s influence continued into the 2000s when he played John Shaft again in “Shaft” (2000) starring Samuel L. Jackson.